National Volunteer Week 2021: Tips on Volunteer Appreciation
The theme for National Volunteer Week is Celebrate Service – an opportunity to shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve.
Volunteerism empowers individuals to find their purpose, to take their passion, and turn it into meaningful change. When each of us, in our own way, answers the call to make a difference, we make progress in solving our most persistent problems, create stronger communities, and a more just society.
At CVNL, we recognize the tremendous power of volunteers and volunteerism during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers of all ages and all walks of life have stepped up to help their communities in ways such as checking on isolated older adults, staffing vaccination centers, and supporting local food banks or anti-hunger initiatives.
Volunteers are at the core of a healthy nonprofit and volunteer appreciation is an important component of any program. It’s a vital part of retention and recruitment. Appreciation is a natural motivator that helps us keep going – it could be as simple as a smile or “thank you.”
Check out below for a few tips on how YOU could celebrate volunteer service this week and beyond!
1. CVNL recognizes rockstar volunteers in Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma Counties monthly
Volunteers play a vital role in our communities, working alongside staff members and other volunteers to serve others in need.
Volunteer of the Month Recognition highlights volunteers from Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties. Every month, we recognize one volunteer from each county who goes above and beyond in service to others.
Submit your nomination here: https://zfrmz.com/NJVGkVobYIbv7eSJWwEd.
2. Show appreciation on social media!
Recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, build stronger communities, and be a force that transforms the world. Show your appreciation by trying out CVNL’s “Volunteer Appreciation Week” Facebook frames on your profile picture all week long!
www.facebook.com/profilepicframes/selected_overlay_id=292763872470373
3. Nominate a volunteer for a Daily Point of Light Award
Millions of people act on their power to do good every day, using their hearts, hands and minds to help strengthen communities and solve persistent problems. Points of Light recognize volunteers’ individual stories, and lift them up to inspire others so we may each, in our own way, answer the call to make a difference.
Do you know someone who acts as a point of light in their community each day?
Nominate them for a Daily Point of Light Award: https://www.pointsoflight.org/dailypointoflight/.
4. The Presidential Volunteer Service Award
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.
Led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.
Great news! CVNL is now a Certifying Organization and will be able to verify volunteer hours for eligible volunteers. If you would like to nominate a volunteer for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, please contact Elaine Tokolahi at etokolahi@cvnl.org.
Learn more about PVSA here: https://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/.